DP World has introduced a new Low Carbon Truck Programme (LCTP) at its London Gateway and Southampton terminals, in what it calls a first for the UK logistics sector. The scheme, developed in partnership with Certas Energy and New Era Fuels, will allow haulage firms using the ports to switch to hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), a renewable alternative to diesel that can cut emissions by up to 85%.

With over 4,000 truck movements through its sites each day, DP World hopes the initiative will encourage at least 500 vehicles to transition to HVO during the pilot, which runs until 2027. The programme is intended to act as a stepping stone towards the longer-term ambition of fully electric HGV fleets, which would eliminate tailpipe emissions entirely.

John Trenchard, DP World’s vice president for sustainable supply chains, said the move could help cut more than 30,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually if widely adopted. He described the initiative as a major step in tackling Scope 3 emissions for cargo owners and freight forwarders, adding that it complements the company’s existing sustainability programmes.

The scheme also includes a full day of carbon literacy training to equip hauliers with knowledge on low-carbon operations. Funded through DP World’s Energy Transition Contribution, the project has been welcomed by the Road Haulage Association, which said HVO provides operators with a practical interim route to reducing emissions on the path to net zero.